In the “10+1” innovative industrial system that Qingdao works hard to build, low-altitude economy is among the five emerging sectors where Qingdao looks to make breakthroughs. As specified in the Qingdao development blueprint, low-altitude economy focuses on air vehicle manufacturing and low-altitude flight services, and prioritize niche markets such as industrial unmanned aerial vehicles, electric vertical take-off and landing and low-altitude flight service systems. Qingdao strives to achieve 23 billion yuan in the size of low-altitude economy by 2027 and is accelerating efforts to build a demonstration area for low-altitude economy that bases itself on Shandong Peninsula, extends operations across China and has a global reach.

To date, 4 of 7 key utility airports in Qingdao have begun operations, 4 helipads, 56 permanent take-off and landing sites and 117 temporary take-off and landing sites have been built. These facilities have largely composed a low-altitude infrastructure system. The building of the Qingdao municipal low-altitude flight administration service platform is in full swing. The Qingdao low-altitude economy alliance, which consists of 158 members, has been founded. Qingdao will further coordinate efforts of government departments, colleges and universities, businesses and scientific research institutions to elbow faster its way into first-tier Chinese cities in terms of low-altitude economy.  (Zhou Jianliang)

The first helicopter under the Qingdao low-altitude express flight program arrived at Jiaodong Airport on December 15, 2024.